Red meat 'can harm chances of fatherhood' scientists claim

Men wanting babies can boost their sperm count by cutting down on steak and burgers and eating more fresh fruit and vegetables, a study shows.

Bad: Men wanting babies can boost their sperm count by cutting down on steak and burgers it has been claimed

The healthier diet contains more antioxidants, which reduce the harmful effects of 'free radicals' - oxygen molecules that damage cells.

Researchers at the University of Murcia, in Spain, studied 61 men. They found that the 30 with fertility problems ate large amounts of red meat and fat, while those who ate healthily had more and better quality sperm.

Good: Scientists found that those who ate healthily had more and better quality sperm

The scientists will now examine whether it matters if men receive vitamins and antioxidants from food or supplements.

Recent studies shows that sperm counts and quality have fallen across Europe over the last few decades.